The Food and Drug Administration is ordering a ban on sales of four cigarette brands from R.J. Reynolds because they do not meet the agency's safety review requirements.

Under FDA rules, companies that launch new cigarettes must show that the products are essentially the same as older products in terms of health risks. The FDA said four brands from R.J. Reynolds failed to show that they don't raise new safety concerns.

In 2009 the FDA gained authority to regulate some aspects of cigarettes and other tobacco products. The agency can evaluate new tobacco products for their health risks and ban those that raise uncertain health risks.

Reynolds officials said in a statement that they strongly disagree with the FDA ruling and are "examining all our options at this time." The company also said the affected brands make up a very small portion of their business.